PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – In northwest Florida, 258 children are awaiting adoption, while 1,673 are in foster care, according to NWF Health Network. The organization supports families across 16 counties, including children in foster care, those preparing for independent living, and children waiting to be adopted.
“If you can’t foster, support those who are,” said Cathy Harcus, recruitment and retention coordinator at NWF Health Network. “You could drop off a meal, laundry soap, or even mow their grass—anything that eases the stress of adding one more child to their home.”
People can also help as “elf sponsors,” providing Christmas gifts for children through NWF Health Network’s holiday project. Each child gets a $100 budget to create a gift list, and anyone can sign up to participate.
The agency’s biggest need, however, is more foster families. To qualify, you must be at least 21 with no criminal record. The process includes an optional virtual orientation, classes, paperwork, home visits, reference interviews, and background checks. Harcus, who fostered 57 children herself, calls it a “blessing.”
“So we are asking people to do a hard thing,” she said. “It’s difficult opening your home and stretching your capacity, but the returns you get from helping a kid are priceless. You’ll never regret it.”
The next round of seven-week classes begins Nov. 3. Fostering is temporary care for children until they can reunify with family or find a permanent home.
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